Perfect Song (Mason Creek Book 2) by Lauren Runow (christmas read aloud .txt) 📕

not having a care in the world of where we are or who might see. Let them. We’ve already told the town we like each other. Why not show them that it’s real?

His arms rush down my back and pull me closer to him, where I feel his bulge clear as day through his cowboy jeans.

I grip the back of his shirt, needing something to hold on to as I completely lose myself in the way his lips are claiming me like they’re his and he’s never going to let me go.

When he pulls back, we’re both panting slightly.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I met you,” he whispers as he places his forehead to mine. After a few calming breaths, he opens the passenger door. “Now, let’s get you home to your parents’ house before I do something right here in this parking lot that we’ll regret later.”

The way he says it, as both a dare and a promise, sends chills down my spine.

Yes, Tucker. This will happen, but I agree; it’s a little early and the Pony Up parking lot is not the place.

Chapter Twelve

Justine

I wake up to a text from Tucker.

Did you have any wild dreams about a handsome singer last night?

A lady never tells.

Then, I’ll just imagine you did.

Any way I can entice you to join me for breakfast?

Depends. Are we talking pastries or greasy goodness to soak up the alcohol from last night?

The full shebang. Shorty’s cooking at Wren’s, and he makes the best pancakes around.

Best pancakes? Sold. Give me twenty?

I’ll be at your doorstep, waiting.

I hop out of bed, suddenly more energized than a full cup of coffee would have given me. Jumping in the shower real quick, I wash my hair and body before drying off and throwing my hair in a messy bun. Something tells me Tucker doesn’t care if I get all dolled up or not, and for this early of a breakfast, he’s going to get the real me.

With some cutoff shorts, a white tank top, and a flannel shirt tied around my waist, I head out to the living room with two minutes to spare.

“Morning, sweetheart,” my mom says as she pours my dad a cup of coffee.

“Morning! I’m heading to breakfast with Tucker.”

My dad’s head pops up, and I wait for him to fight back, but to my surprise, he takes a deep inhale and goes back to reading the paper. When my eyes meet with my mom’s, she grins and nods her head toward the door in her silent way of saying to go and have fun.

I blow her a kiss because I know she spoke to my father, and that’s why he didn’t say a word. She’s always been the buffer between us, helping me live the life I want versus living under his strict rules. No matter how old I am, I guess I’m still living the same life I always have.

As I open the door, Tucker is standing there, getting ready to knock.

“Hi,” I say in greeting.

“What perfect timing,” he responds. “Are you ready?”

I think about just leaving but decide it would be best to bring him inside before we leave. “Daddy, Mom, you know Tucker.”

Tucker steps in without any hesitation as he removes his hat and holds it next to his heart. “Mr. and Mrs. Samson, it’s nice to see you both.”

My mom comes from behind the kitchen counter to say hello, and my dad stands, heading straight toward him.

“Tucker.” My dad holds out his hand, and Tucker grips it firmly as the two men shake. “She might not be a little girl, but she’s under my roof again, and I have a Remington that I’m not afraid to use should you disrespect my daughter in any way.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Dad, you can’t threaten to shoot my date.”

“Last I checked, Montana law said a man has the right to protect his family,” he states firmly.

I roll my eyes at the absurdity, but Tucker takes it in stride.

“From one father to another, you have my word,” Tucker says, and I grin from our conversation the other night.

“I’ll call you guys if I don’t plan on coming home right away,” I say as we turn toward the door.

“No worries, sweetie. We know you’re in good hands,” my mom says.

I smile. I’m not sure why they’ve had a change of heart or what they’ve heard, but I’m liking it.

We walk outside, and he opens his truck door for me, stealing a kiss hello before shutting the door.

When he’s in on his side, I turn to him. “That was kind of surprising.”

“What?” He puts the truck in reverse and exits the driveway.

“My parents. Especially my dad. I didn’t think he’d be that cool with me going out with you.”

“He called my boss,” Tucker says with a cheesy grin on his face.

“Shut up! He did not!”

He chuckles under his breath. “Yes, he did. Henry called me last night to tell me he put in a good word for me so to not fuck it up.”

My jaw drops open. “He did what?”

He reaches over to grip my hand. “Henry’s been a good friend of mine for years. Believe me when I say, there’s no one who knows me better, so at least your dad called the right person to check up on me.”

“I’m so sorry he did that,” I say, embarrassed.

“Don’t be. I’m a father, remember? I’m just lucky I had a boy. If I had a girl, she would never leave the house!”

I shake my head with a laugh. “Well, thank goodness you didn’t, or you’d really have a troublemaker on your hands. The more you keep us girls down, the more we’ll rebel.”

“Oh really now?” He looks at me.

“Let’s just say, girls just wanna have fun.”

“And who’s repeating old movie quotes now?”

I playfully hit his shoulder as he turns onto Highland Place before parking on Laurel Lane. We walk across the street to Wren’s Café, and everyone